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In
1893 Norwegian painter Edvard Munch created a masterpiece of Post-Impressionist
art that was to become a symbol of utter despair the world over.
| "In
the early 90s, their studio of the time was rechristened 'the
Brownhouse' after the band's penchant for a certain class
A drug..." |
His
depiction of a lone figure perched on a bridge, with hands clasped
over the ears and set against a scarlet background of swirling brushstrokes,
was entitled The Scream.
It
was - and still is - a portrait of life on the edge.
Fast
forward to the present and we have Primal Scream, a band who also
know how to live a life on the edge.
In
a new book which borrows its title from Munch's painting, the band's
rock n roll lifestyle is laid bare - along with their excesses and
foibles, their political beliefs and their unremitting love of music.
excesses
Written
by music veteran Kris Needs, the book charts the story of Primal
Scream from their formative years and rise to prominence via 1991's
Screamadelica, through to later albums Vanishing Point
and Xtrmntr and on to the present day.
As
a friend of the band and their on-off tour DJ for years, Needs is
in a good position to recount the story.
We
hear of the time when guitarist Throb collapsed on stage in Germany
after one-too-many Gonzo/Hunter S Thompson-style sessions, and how
in the early 90s their studio of the time was rechristened 'the
Brownhouse' after the band's penchant for a certain class A drug.
But
it would be too simple to brandish the band as freeloading, badly
behaved rock star ravers, as Needs reminds us.
passion
With
their love of partying come strong beliefs and fierce passions.
 |
|
Giving
out but never giving up...Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie
|
Politically,
we hear of singer Bobby Gillespie's socialist roots, of the band's
campaign against the Criminal Justice Bill, and their dislike of
America's bullying tactics abroad.
Musically,
we're left in no doubt of the band's vast musical influences, which
encompass gospel, reggae, punk, dance, funk and more.
This
diverse love has led them to make some clever decisions about who
they've chosen to work with, such as Andrew Weatherall, George Clinton,
Adrian Sherwood and Augustus Pablo.
As
a result, the Scream have created a vast body of work, but always
with the same intention: music should stir the emotions and make
you connect with your heart.
The Scream by Kris Needs is published
by Plexus books @ £12.99
interested? hear Primal
Scream and 'Rocks' from Give Out But Don't Give Up
(listen
in Windows Media Player -
)
More
recommended rock reading: Ian
Dury>> John Lydon>>
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through amazing shots of London from high up in a helicopter!